Causes Of Frequent Urination

What Causes Frequent Urination?

That sudden urge that is your body telling you that it needs to be relieved happens to everyone occasionally, but the causes of frequent urination should be explored to ensure that constant trips to the bathroom are not the result of a medical issue.

Our bodies are meant to work with precision and autonomy in order to keep them operating at our optimal potential. The urinary tract is a perfect example of the synergistic process of different body systems. The process leading to urination begins with any food or beverage that is consumed by an individual. The digestive system begins by breaking down the food, separating nutrients to distribute throughout the body. When all useable elements from the food have been removed, waste product is left.

Waste comes from every avenue in the body, meaning that the urinary system must work with the respiratory system, the digestive system and even the skin to extract and collect waste materials which must be removed from the body. The waste collected by the urinary system is called urea; transported from the different areas of the body through the bloodstream where it is deposited into the kidneys. From the kidneys, the urea is further transported by means of tubes called ureters. Here the urea is held generally for intervals of 15 seconds or so before it is emptied and is passed down to the bladder; the ultimate storage unit for urine. Capable of holding around 2 cups of urine, the bladder is designed to store the waste for up to five hours.

It is a signal by nerves in the bladder that alert the person that it is time to urinate. When it is operating normally, the bladder will swell as urine is collected, and then these nerves signal it is time to void, or pass the urine from the body. From time to time, however, certain conditions will cause the bladder to feel the need to expel the urine before it is actually full. There are several causes for frequent urination that can include a urinary tract infection, diabetes, prostate issues, cystitis, overactive bladder syndrome, incontinence, pregnancy and simple aging. In some rare cases, cancer or bladder dysfunction can be the cause of the constant feeling of bladder fullness.

The most common cause of the feeling of “gotta go” is a high consumption of fluids, and not a medical issue. Every person’s kidney function varies, and one person just may have to urinate more than the next. Drinking caffeinated products and alcoholic beverages are leading causes for frequent urination in many people, simply because these products are diuretic in nature. It is when the pattern of urination or the urine itself changes that the individual should seek medical attention. If there has been no change in the fluid intake amounts, or if the urine is suddenly cloudy along with the increased urge to go, only a doctor can determine if medical intervention is necessary.

Certain medications will result in a more frequent urination pattern, as well. It is important to note and document the pattern of the changes in urination so that your doctor can narrow the possible causes even more completely.

Urinary tract infections are often at the root of the problem. These infections affect the bladder, kidneys and urethra through inflammation and result in the need to go more often. Overactive bladder syndrome is another increasingly common reason the condition can occur.

Since there are many causes of frequent urination, it is strongly recommended that the individual consult their doctor. While many view the problem as embarrassing, it is far better to identify the cause and correct the problem than to allow it to rule your life.